Method

Pilaf:

1.

Wash the basmati rice carefully in water three times to remove starch, stirring gently with your fingers. Try not to damage the grains. When the water runs almost clear, soak the rice for an hour or two.

2.

Heat 200g butter in a heavy, deep pan that has a tight-fitting lid. Cook onions slowly in butter with a good pinch of salt until soft but not mushy.

3.

Add the peas and a good handful (approx. 2 tablespoons) seven spice, continue cooking with onions for about 5 minutes.

4.

Drain rice well, again taking care not to break up the grains.

5.

Turn up the heat so the base of the pan is hot and the onions are sizzling.

6.

Add the rice and a good pinch of salt (bear in mind your onions should be well seasoned too).

7.

Carefully stir the onions through the rice to mix, twice or three times is enough.

8.

Add boiling water to cover the rice and about 2.5cm more. The water must be just off the boil and the base of the pan should be hot. Stir only once to mix.

9.

When the water reaches a fast simmer, put a cartouche over the rice, a tea towel on top, and a tight lid to cover. Weigh down the lid to ensure that no steam can escape.

10.

Cook for 4 minutes on a high heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for a further 6 minutes.

11.

Take the pan off the heat and rest, covered for about 10 minutes more. Resist the temptation to take off the lid.

12.

Make sure livers are well trimmed, season them in a bowl with salt.

13.

Heat a frying pan until smoking hot, add olive oil. Wait a few seconds for the oil to smoke, then add your chicken livers, making sure they have enough space in the pan to fry nicely.

14.

Sear the livers on one side until golden brown, then turn them over.

15.

Colour nicely on the other side too, then add a generous pinch of seven spice and turn down the heat.